Includes bibliographical references (pages [245]-252) and index.
Prologue : the incarnational art of fiction -- "Who will remain whole? Who?" -- Wise blood and the poison of the modern world -- Body matters : Boys without mothers -- Body matters : "Good country people" and "A temple of the Holy Ghost" -- Transcending the transcendentalists : Bishop as beauty in The violent bear it away -- The artist at home -- Mary Ann's face and Parker's back : the grotesque body under construction